Papillon
About the Papillon
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Toy (under 10 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-11" |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,000/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Papillons may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Papillon
The story behind the Papillon
The Papillon descends from the small spaniel-type companion dogs of continental Europe, commonly called dwarf or toy spaniels, which were popular in French, Spanish and Italian noble households from the Renaissance onward and appear frequently in portraiture of the period. The original ear carriage was dropped, and that form survives as the Phalene, meaning moth; the erect fringed ear that gives the Papillon its name emerged later and became the more common variety. Breeding centred on France and Belgium, which are jointly credited as countries of origin. The FCI treats the two ear types as varieties of a single breed, the Continental Toy Spaniel, while the AKC and Kennel Club register them under the Papillon name. The breed is well established internationally and has a strong record in dog sports.
Originally bred for: Companion dog, Court lapdog, Household pet. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Papillon
A tiny but genuinely energetic dog needs small quantities of a nutrient-dense small-breed diet, offered in two or three meals since very small dogs should not go long without eating. Small kibble suits a delicate jaw, and treats must be counted against the daily allowance.
Watch for: No breed-linked food allergy is recognised. Toy breeds are prone to dental disease, which frequently presents as fussiness or reluctance to chew and is easily mistaken for a food problem. Persistent appetite changes or digestive upset should be examined by a veterinarian.
Start with the Papillon feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Papillon
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.